Big Ten Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2020-21 season

Penn State had a team that was built to make an NCAA Tournament run this past March and I think were hurt as much as anyone when the remainder of the postseason was cancelled.

While they still have something resembling a core in place, they will lose Lamar Stevens, arguably the best player in program history, and Mike Watkins, who was one of the best defensive big men in the Big Ten. Curtis Jones, a solid role player, is also gone.

Now, the Nittany Lions will be relying heavily on rising juniors Myreon Jones, Myles Dread, and Izaiah Brockington to form the core of next year’s team. Jamari Wheeler, who led the Nittany Lions is assists last year, and big man John Harrar figure to make up the rest of the starting lineup.

Those five players are a formidable group that can compete in the Big Ten, but the biggest question will be depth. They have several unproven players on the roster and their recruiting class doesn’t have any obvious significant contributors.

If head coach Pat Chambers can find some depth, Penn State could work their way into the NCAA Tournament bubble conversation. If someone steps up to replace Stevens, or if they can collectively elevate their play to replace his production, then they’ll make the Big Dance – but both of those, particularly the latter, are huge concerns.